Upon being informed by Eastern Cape Health Department about the possible mismanagement of the Nestlé Orphans and Vulnerable Children Assistance Program (NOVCAP) by third parties who have been reselling infant formula to non bona fide members of the community, Nestlé South Africa undertook a thorough audit of the missions in question.
Nestle is also aware of the confusion that was created by the “not for resale “packs that were sold to missions. The Department of Health has an existing contract with Nestle to supply it with baby formula that is also branded ‘not for resale’. NOVCAP was launched in 2008 in partnership with provincial Departments of Social Development. The programme is a well-intentioned social responsibility initiative aimed at assisting non-governmental organisations to access infant formula at a reduced price for orphans and other vulnerable children.
Currently there are 70 beneficiaries of NOVCAP, 63 of which are orphanages or places of safety, and seven are churches. In light of the recent developments regarding the unintentional non– conformity of the conditions associated with the NOVCAP programme and subsequent arrests of the priests, Nestlé South Africa has reviewed the programme concerning the missions.
In agreement with the Eastern Cape Health Department, Nestlé South Africa will request for the uplift of remaining stock from all seven missions and will replace with the retail packs. In future only state approved institutions and NOVCAP orphanages will now receive the not for resale packs to assist the authorities with traceability.
"Nestlé remains committed to assisting the authorities in improving the control of stock within state institutions and apologises for their part in this unfortunate set of circumstances that led to the arrests of the Roman Catholic priests," said Sullivan O’ Carroll, Managing Director of Nestle South Africa.
Source: Eastern Cape Health
